“The Three Wisemen” are as common a Christmas figure as Shepherds and Angels, yet in reality they weren’t there the night Christ was born, and there could have been more than three of them. As we see in Matthew 2, they appear to come sometime later, possibly even a few years after His birth. The Scriptures call Him a young child. (Vs 11)

This story shows us God’s Love, and God’s witness through this special star, but it’s the Wisemen’s reaction to God’s Love that I would like to focus your attention on. 

In the Visit of the Magi we see…

The Reason for Their Visit Vs 1-3

Their journey from the East was certainly a long one, but it was a journey unlike any other. They were following a star! Can you imagine explaining to your loved ones that you’re going off to follow a star wherever it leads!? 

But they had a good reason for this trip. In verse 2 they simply explain to Herod that they have come to worship the newly born King of the Jews! What a lesson for us this season. Can you say that your one purpose is to worship the King of kings? I want this to be my one mission day in and day out: To Worship the Saviour!

The Rival to Their Purpose Vs 4-8

Herod is a perfect reminder to us of how Satan operates. If there is anything that he hates and will always oppose it is the Worship of Jesus Christ. Satan will do anything he can to prevent God’s people from really worshipping Him. Worship for himself is what Satan desires. 

You’ll notice as you read Matthew 2 that Herod sought advice from the Bible for where the King should be born, and he even feigns a desire to worship this King himself. Yet he was full of deception. This is very much how Satan likes to deceive people. He knows the truth. He knows it well enough to distort it. He will pretend to have our best interests at heart. Beware, he is the deceiver. 

Wouldn't you say that Satan has done quite a job on distorting the truth of the Christmas message? I mean it nearly disappears in the midst of wrapping paper, lights, presents, and parties! Please remember the goal of the Magi was to Worship the King. 

When we lose sight of Jesus Christ we have just bowed to the Rival.

The Rejoicing in Their WorshipVs 9-11

I’m sure the Wisemen never dreamed that their stop at Herod’s palace would cause the death and destruction we see in the later portion of Matthew 2. What a horrible event. Herod’s true colors show, and so will Satan’s. 

You might say that the Wisemen could have been a bit wiser if they would just have asked God for directions, but instead they stopped to ask Herod. But you’ll notice that the moment they leave the palace God shows them the star again. They are finally led right to the very place where Christ is. They made it! 

What a time of rejoicing they had. They rejoiced because they had found Christ. He was their goal and He was their joy. They were also glad to give. Worship always involves giving. Is it wrong to say that worshipping Christ should cost us something? These Wisemen gave Gold, Frankincense, and Myrrh. All very costly items. I’m sure they gave in great quantities too. What can you and I give Him? Well, what does He deserve? Only Jesus Christ is worthy of our worship. Only He, who has given so much for us, deserves our all. What does Jesus want? — He wants you. 

He wants you to know Him as your Saviour. To believe on Him and be free from your sin. He wants you to live for Him. Now and forever. 

Give Him the worship He deserves. Refuse to allow anything to stand between you and Him. Give Him your heart and truly make this a season of worship. 

Are you in the Christmas spirit? I know that phrase can mean different things to different people. But what I mean is, are you in tune with the true Spirit of this season, the Spirit of Jesus Christ Himself?

How do you feel about Christmas? For some it is “the most wonderful time of the year!” My children love every aspect of this season, as all kids do, but so do I. I love the lights, trees, music, parties, and time with family. 

For others though it can be depressing, and discouraging. Some have lost loved ones recently, for others, relationships have been broken, and for this season they will stay that way. It makes for a tough holiday.

For many believers there is the feeling that the real meaning of the season is lost somewhere in the midst of all the commercialization of Christmas. Why, even Charlie Brown was distressed over it when he saw Snoopy’s house decorated for a Christmas contest. He exclaimed, “My own dog gone commercial, I cant stand it!”

Whether you're a Christmas fan or not we all must strive to keep our priorities in check during this time of year.

Here are 3 things that we can do to keep the Right Christmas Spirit:

Remember the Person of Christmas — Matthew 1:16-20,23

In verse 16 of Matthew 1, The genealogy ends with the bold statement that this babe who was born in a stable is Jesus, who is called Christ. Remember this season that it is the Person of Jesus Christ that we are to be celebrating.

Recognize The Purpose of Christmas — Matthew 1:21-25

God tells us the reason for Christ coming right away when He says in Matthew 1:21 that Jesus “Shall save His people from their sins.” We must never lose sight of the fact that Jesus Christ, the baby in the manger, came to die on the cross for us, as us, so that we might be saved. All people need the Saviour, Jesus Christ, because we all are sinners. We all have fallen short of God’s glory. The whole purpose of Christ’s coming is to save anyone who would repent of their sin and believe on the Christ of Christmas.

Realize Your Place in Christmas

Mary and Joseph had their place in this Christmas story. As did the Shepherds, Wisemen, Angels, and the Innkeeper. But what is your place in this Christmas story? Your place is to accept the Gift of all Gifts — Christ Jesus the Lord. Romans6:23 says, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Don’t lose sight of what matters most this season. Focus on Loving, Serving, and Obeying Christ.

When the gifts are being purchased, and later opened, remember the greatest gift — Jesus Christ. 

And if you've never put your faith in Christ, don't delay, there is no need to wait! Believe on Him and trust Him now!

If we can help you with that please take advantage of our contact information on our church site. We would love to hear from you.